THE LABORIE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

ABOUT

From 1999, residents of Laborie started a strategic development planning process to reduce ad hoc, unplanned development. Following the adoption of the completed Strategic Development Plan, the Planning Committee realized that in order to begin to implement this plan, a formal organization was needed.

The Laborie Development Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, was registered under the Companies Act in St. Lucia on December 11, 2002.

Its functions are to:

Coordinate the planning and implementation of development activities and projects.

Mobilize the community and involve all citizens in planning and implementation of development projects.

Raise funds for projects and activities to be undertaken by itself and by other organizations.

Implement specific projects whenever there is no other organisation capable of implementing them.

The Foundation’s vision and objectives are the same as that described in the Strategic Development Plan for Laborie, i.e. to promote social, and economic development that will contribute to a “culturally vibrant community where there is continuous improvement in the quality of life and where people are able to enjoy all the basic necessities and to participate fully in the process of development.”

This plan outlines the development goals of the majority of the residents of Laborie.

Our focus is on the overall development of the community including the development of tourism, agriculture and fishing, youth and sports, education and the human resources, and health care and social services. We understand that the success of the community’s development depends on the involvement of all Laborians, as well as other St. Lucians and benefactors.

To achieve these objectives, the Laborie Development Foundation works with a variety of partners and member organisations to find the appropriate funding and social capital on a project by project basis.

The Foundation has a Board of Directors elected at their Annual General Meeting who guide the yearly activities and set the work plan.

PAST PROJECTS

Yacht Mooring Project

In 2008, under the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) project and with assistance from the Soufriere Marine Management Authority and Peace Corps Volunteer, Mr. Aaron Doll, the Laborie Development Foundation has installed five yacht moorings in the bay. The goal of this project is to increase village tourism through yacht traffic. The moorings will be managed by the Laborie Development Foundation and the Laborie Fishers and Consumers Cooperative and efforts will be made to capitalize on the economic benefits these moorings could provide for the area.

Seamoss Project

Three persons in September 2006 - started the cultivation of seamoss in the Laborie Bay. This brought to 4 the number of people producing seamoss here. The Laborie Development Foundation provided technical assistance and support materials such as seamoss plants and rope. It also assisted in the search for markets for seamoss produced.

Water Quality Monitoring and Testing

Participatory monitoring of water in the Laborie Bay was done by eight volunteer secondary school students from Piaye Secondary School, under the guidance of Gevanie Polius, a former student who participated in the volunteer programme two years ago, and Alan Smith, marine biologist. In October 2008, in addition to testing the faecal coliform levels in the Laborie Bay, the students also carried out similar tests in the ravines that drain into the Laborie Bay. Laborie is one of the few communities in St. Lucia where any water monitoring is being done.

Water Quality Awareness Programme:

Three young people - Clem Thomas, Alina Sadoo and Lydra Chicot - Engaged households from the Laborie village in discussions about water quality issues and ways in which sewage pollution can be reduced in Laborie. The project recognises that information sharing is a necessary component of educating residents and changing attitudes towards natural waterways, including ravines. It was undertaken with support and financing from the Sustainable Development Unit in the Ministry of Physical Development. The young educators-learners used data on the quality of the water in the Laborie bay generated by other students who participated in the Water Quality Monitoring and Testing Programme. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of these issues as a means of improving water quality in the Laborie Bay. The awareness programme started in June 2005 and ran until the middle of August. New information gathered will be shared with the community via the new notice boards.

Local Governance and Capacity for Integrated Coastal Development in Laborie, Saint Lucia:

This project seeks to develop and strengthen institutional arrangements, technologies and approaches to coastal development that optimize the contribution of coastal resources to social and economic development, through equitable and sustainable uses, and that provide effective and lasting solutions to the environmental problems faced by coastal communities in the Caribbean, especially those that stem from pollution.

Linking Cultural Festivals to the Accommodation Sector in Laborie:

The goal of this project was to stimulate the development of small scale lodging for visitors to Laborie, and to contribute to their viability by attracting patrons through various festivals. A study was completed to build a baseline of information, analyze opportunities and provide guidelines. Laborie Public Toilet Facilities: Two public toilets were completed by the Laborie Development Foundation Inc. with funding from the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF). They were handed over to the Laborie Village Council on July 27, 2004. The project cost almost EC$200,000.00. They are part of the strategies to develop infrastructural support for community heritage tourism and enhance the physical environment in Laborie. These public toilets were built using environmentally responsible methods including a wastewater garden.

Establishment of the Laborie Medical Assistance Fund:

This Fund is administered by the Laborie Development Foundation Inc. and is managed by a Committee of seven persons. It provides financial assistance to Laborians who need medical treatment and/or services. Donations from the Fund may be used for hospital related expenses, prescription drug expenses, fees for specialist medical attention, air fare and other expenses directly related to receiving such treatment. Residents of Laborie and other people are encouraged to contribute to the Fund to supplement other fundraising activities.

Documentation of the strategic planning process:

The Laborie community undertook a three year strategic planning process from 1999 – 2002. The document produced (view here) contains the vision for Laborie and goals, objectives and strategies for achieving that vision. It reflects the ideas of a large number of Laborians who participated in a strategic development planning process from 1999 - 2001 which was characterised by several consultations, group meetings, discussions. This initiative was community initiated and driven and undertaken by volunteers from various sectors in Laborie.

CURRENT PROJECTS

MEMBERS

The Laborie Cooperative Credit Union

Laborie Cooperative Credit Union was established in august 1976 and registered on 22nd May, 1981. The idea was born out of the recognition that the community needed to mobilize its financial and human resources on a self-help basis, for the development and improvement of the quality of life of the people of Laborie.

The Credit Union is administered by a Board of Directors, Credit Committee and Supervisory Committee elected by members at the annual general meeting. Members of all three committees serve without pay.

Telephone: 758-455-9699 / 758-454-6090, Fax: 758-455-9289

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The Laborie Fishers and Consumers' Cooperative, known previously as the Laborie Fishermen's Cooperative, was created in the early 70s and registered in 1975. Presently, the Cooperative has eighty-seven members.

Its overall objective is to serve the interests of its members - including most of the local fishermen - and of the wider community. During the last three years, following a period of relative dormancy, the Cooperative has made tremendous efforts towards strengthening its management capacity, improving its financial performance and widening the scope of the services it offers.

The efforts of the Laborie Fishers and Consumers Cooperative are part of the overall initiative taken by the Laborie community to address social and economic issues and to build local capacity. These efforts are included in the Strategic Development Plan for Laborie which is being implemented by Governmental and community based organisations under the auspices of the Laborie Development Foundation.

Board of Directors:

The Laborie Fishers & Consumers Cooperative currently has a seven-member Board comprising:

Mr. Rudy John - President

Mr. Cyril Serieux - Vice President

Mrs. Marylene John Marquis - Secretary

Mr. Felix Chicot - Treasurer

Mr. Baptiste Holder

Mr. George Wilfred

Mr. Sylvester Promesse

The Country Strikers Youth & Sports Club

The Country Strikers Youth & Sports Club is a sporting and cultural group with over 35 members. It was formed on April 28th 1993>, to counter idleness, disillusion and loss of identity among youth and to promote the holistic development of the community’s youth. It gained official recognition by the National Youth Council in April, 1998. The main programming thrust of this democratic organisation includes, sports, leadership training, education and empowerment, advocacy, community development, youth development and mobilization for the youth of Banse, La Grace, La Haut, Olibo, Beranger and its environs.

In September 2003 Country Strikers was awarded National Youth Organisation of the Year by the St. Lucia National Youth Council and the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth & Sports.

Members of CSYSC meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Banse La Grace>. Two of the meetings are formal, and the other is a semiformal meeting. A social is also held once a month. The executive meets twice a month. CSYSC’s motto is “Success is a product of hardwork.”

Major activities:

~ Country Strikers Annual Domestic Football Competition - February – June

~ Annual Independence Day Youth Rally - February

~ Constituency Parliament - April

~ Community Fun Day - April

~ Lantern Making Workshop - November

Labowi Promotions

Labowi Promotions is a not-for-profit community-based organisation of Laborie. It was established on November 11, 1991. The group's main objective is to promote genuine community development through arts and culture, by bringing quality cultural performances to the south of Saint Lucia and by improving the skills and visibility of local artists and performers. Ultimately, the goal of Labowi Promotions is to enhance social togetherness and harmony and to promote economic development through cultural events and expression. Since its creation, this group has organised more than 200 events and activities, in music, education, dance, drama and visual arts.

Echo-Lab

ECHO-Lab - the Environmental Conservation and Heritage Organisation of Laborie - formerly known as the Laborie Conservation & Heritage Group was established on April 16th 1992 by a group of teachers. It currently has a membership of 15. Membership is open to residents of Laborie who are committed to the organisation’s goals. ECHO-Lab meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the library in Laborie.

Mission Statement:

To develop awareness of the need to conserve the natural and cultural environment, and promote sustainable living practices through community education and community participation.

Objectives:

• To disseminate information on the importance of environmental conservation• To organise activities that develop awareness of natural, historical and cultural issues• To foster participation in community conservation and heritage activities• To identify, develop and conserve, or assist in the development, of nature-heritage sites in and around Laborie. • To increase awareness of sustainable living issues, technologies, & behaviours.

Laborie Youth and Sports Council promotes youth and club sport development in Laborie District.

President: Marvin James

Vice President:Julian Du Bois

Treasurer: Shuah Canchon

Secretary: Heather Joseph

Objectives:

• Youth Development

• Sports Club Development

Activities:

• Football Tournaments

• Basketball Tournaments

• Cricket

• Domino Competition

• Workshops

• Playing Field and Multi-purpose Court Maintenance

• Healthy Lifestyles Quarterly Acitivies

The Laborie Parish Council

The Laborie Parish Council is an advisory committee for the Church of the Purification, Laborie and its three sub-stations of Banse/La Grace, Mc. Diarmed, and Piaye.

The Parish Council overseas the management of various Church properties including the Parish Hall on Eucalyptus Avenue. Although built exclusively for parish activities it is used by various community groups for social and fund raising activities.

Structure and Operations:

The Parish Council has a membership of 24 persons, including the Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Raj, who is an ex-officio member. The members of the current executive are:

The members of the Black Bay Small Farmers Association farm within the flood plain of the Black Bay River. They cultivate a variety of vegetables and fruit including okra, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes.

Structure and Operations:

The Association is managed by an Executive that is elected from among members annually. The current President is Mr. David Hippolyte.

Banse-la Haut Farmers Group

The Banse-La Haut Farmers Group is an association of farmers from Laborie who farm in the areas of Banse, La Grace, La Haut and environs. In addition to bananas they produce a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Structure and Operations:

The farming group elects an Executive that is responsible for directing the activities of the group once every year. The current President is Mr. Patrick Bertin.

ABC Funhouse Early Learning Center

The ABC FUNHOUSE Early Learning Centre is community-based and was established to meet the day care and preschool needs of the community of Augier and its environs. It opened its doors in September 1996. Funding for the centre came from various sources including land from Government of St. Lucia and funds from Canada Funds, the private sector and generous members of the Augier Community. In August 1999, ABC FUNHOUSE E. L. C. received funding from the French Mission and The Poverty Reduction Fund for the expansion of the centre.

The Centre promotes an enriched child–based curriculum that promotes and supports the needs, skills and total development – social, emotional, intellectual, physical – of children, from an individual and group perspective within a structured but flexible setting. The environment is set to promote and enhance skills of self esteem, self reliance, initiative, independence, curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving. An attractive and stimulating setting with allocation of spacious play areas both indoor and outdoor is the trademark of the ABC Funhouse Early Learning Centre. The curriculum establishes a balance between free play and constructive work so as to cater to the needs of all the children. It also seeks to develop fully the children’s physical ability through outdoor play.

Community partnership and ownership are paramount to the overall progress and development of children, their families and the nation at large. Parents/Guardians are therefore valued as the children’s primary teachers and their participation and involvement are integral elements of the curriculum and other activities of the centre.

The ultimate goal of the ABC FUNHOUSE Early Learning Centre is a relationship based on trust, love, respect and acceptance for every child, parent, and caregiver.

Structure and Operations:

The Centre is managed by an eight member Board of Directors. Current Board members are:

· Mr. Ignatious Evans, a former education officer

· Mr.George Lee St. Jour, a retired principal of the Augier Combined School

· Two residents of the Augier community,

· Two parents,

· A caregiver of the centre, and

· The administrator, Elsa Joyeux.

The ABC FUNHOUSE E.L.C currently accommodates seventy (70) children between the ages of 1 – 5. There are six staff members, one cook and the administrator. The Centre is funded through fees paid by parents every term and other fund raising activities. A small grant received each term from the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union goes towards the feeding programme. A recent partnership has been formed between ABC Funhouse and Grassington Primary School in England. The Principle, staff and children assist the ABC FUNHOUSE with donations of toys, games, books and other school supplies every other year.

Anse Kawet Crafters Association

Anse Kawet Crafters is an association of crafters who produce a variety of unique craft items from natural materials. It currently has a membership of 15. They make baskets, trays, wall hangings and other items from rattan, crochet and knitted products, straw work, shell work, sewn and embroidered items, natural soaps, etc.

Mission Statement:

To assist members in improving their craft skills, to improve conditions for producing and selling craft for its members and to facilitate the transfer of craft skills to other residents of Laborie.

Objectives:

• To improve standards and the quality of craft produced by members • To improve access to raw materials for members • To increase productivity and product output among crafters of Laborie • To improve opportunities for marketing and selling craft produced by members • To facilitate the transfer of craft skills to other Laborie residents

This site is owned by the Laborie Development Foundation (LDF) and maintained voluntarily by the community.The informations found here are general guidelines. Changes might have happened in between updates.